For those dreaming of a life afloat, a unique Charlestown houseboat is up for grabs at $299k. This isn't your average Boston residence; it's a compact, fully furnished 500-square-foot abode with nautical charms like white outlines of ships against a grey background wallpaper. The price is notably less than the median home value in Charlestown, which Zillow reports has ticked up to $897,190 over last year, according to a listing spotted on Boston.com. 

Despite its limited square footage, the houseboat's layout is cleverly designed to make the most of its space, offering a bright living area, a kitchen equipped with open shelving and a breakfast bar, and a respectable number of windows for natural light. "Living on the water is a lifestyle choice that more people are considering," Sarah Fillmann of Coldwell Banker Realty in Boston told Boston.com on December 12. The listing also includes amenities such as a ductless mini-split system, guaranteeing comfort regardless of the season.

Ironically, the interest in maritime dwellings isn't just an isolated trend; it's pulling a significant wake. The New York Post reported that "Google searches for ‘how to live on a boat’ have increased by more than 70% in the past year." For seafaring folk or those looking to downsize creatively, this Charlestown houseboat is more than an asset—it's a ticket to a desirable waterfront lifestyle without being tied down to the land.